I have had so much fun stepping out on my porch to take pictures of the "Conditions" outside. Really - though -- the tree has been showing the conditions the best. I mean, really, how many pictures can you take of an ice-packed yard?

Here's what my yard looked like today:

Really - it looks just like it did in my previous post about our ice storm. But look at the tree! It is creaking and clattering. God has given me the weirdest humor (and I love it!) but this is actually fun for me to listen to. There's a huge tree a few streets over - and when the wind blows - I can hear it clattering. It's just amazing!

So - here -- take a gander at our tree.

In the spring it's a Red Oak.

Right now, it's a statue.

Look at this one branch stitting straight up -

It tells quite a tale. See the buds on the very end? And just a bit under that? It had been "Spring" just a few days before the ice hit. So maybe this is spring encased in ice?

Ooo - I wonder what spiritual connotations I can make from this? That could make me positively giddy - and hard to live with, I'm sure. I love learning!!

And this poor lonely leaf...

Is the only thing left hanging on the tree - aside from a few acorns directly over my head. But I can't take a picture of that - the sky is too bright.  The sun came out - and it's positively blinding outside.

It's been interesting living inside the past few days. We are so very blessed to have our power when other areas around us don't.

It will also be interesting to see the world when it thaws out. After the drought we've had - the slow melt will be good for everything green and growing. God answered our prayers for rain - He just sent it in the form of ice.